Dr Asim Hussain Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources said that the government has banned movement of refined petroleum products to Afghanistan.
Dr Asim said that “The trade of petroleum and petrol is banned to Afghanistan to prevent dumping in the local market that is causing huge revenue losses, besides damaging the road network of Pakistan. Afghanistan can trade such products only after paying taxes and duties. A bill will be presented before the Parliament to make procedure for trade of these products in the future.”
The minister informed the FPCCI members that December and January would be critical for gas supply. However, gas supply during these two months would be managed. In order to prevent usage of gas the government has approved replacement of gas heaters with solar ones the utility companies will provide these heaters to consumers and adjust the cost in their bills.
To a question about gas supply under the constitution, which provided that where gas is discovered such area has the right to use it first, the minister said that if the government implements that rule than Punjab will have no gas because its production is only 8%.
Dr Asim said that the ministry has proposed LNG import which is opposed by the Punjab government. They Punjab government is only politicising the issue without realizing that LNG import is in their favor.
The Senate is likely to approve a bill regarding prevention from gas and petrol theft by Tuesday under this bill, 14 years imprisonment has been recommended and an FIR would be lodged on the recommendation of the managing director of a company. About gas infrastructure surcharge the issue will be discussed at the Senate meeting on Tuesday.
Briefing about the petroleum policy, which is sent to provinces, he said that it is recommended that zones should be eliminated and steps should be taken to make lucrative oil and gas returns for companies. Gas tariff will be based on gas field and 90% of the gas will be purchased by the government.
(Sourced from www.thenews.com.pk)
